About Skamania County, WA

Skamania County is located in southwestern Washington. It spans a distance of 1672 sq. miles on the north shore of the Columbia River. The Gifford Pinchot National Forest covers more than 80% of Skamania County. Portions of the Mt. St. Helens National Volcanic Monument and the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area are located in Skamania County. Skamania County is bisected north and south by the Cascade Mountain Range. To get to Skamania County you can take State Route 14 east from Vancouver, WA or Interstate 84 east from Portland, OR to Cascade Locks and cross into Washington on the Bridge of the Gods.

Here are the annual rainfall amounts in Skamania County:

• Carson/Home Valley- 80"
• Mill A/Cook/Willard- 55"
• North Bonneville- 70"
• Skamania/Prindle- 70"
• Stabler- 99"
• Stevenson- 80"
• Underwood- 47"
• Upper Washougal/Cape Horn/Skye/Mt. Pleasant- 56"

I lived in Stevenson from 1985-1991. It was a sleepy little timber town back then. Today Stevenson has turned into a popular spot with new shops, art galleries, antique shops, good restaurants-(Joe's El Rio, Big River Grill, The Crab Shack, and more) Bahma Coffee shop, a local brewery (Walking Man), and even fastfood-Subway Sandwiches. The Skamania County Lodge has brought a golf course and destination resort facilities to Stevenson. The Interpretive Museum has interesting and beautiful displays. The Stevenson Library has always been a favorite spot. There's also the luxury of having a Public year round indoor pool in a small town. Stevenson is located about 45 minutes from Troutdale. An easy drive to PDX.

If you are interested in moving to Stevenson, I would be happy to help you find the home or property you are looking for.

Disclaimer: I assume no responsibilty for accuracy of information provided within this post and blog. Many entries on this blog are based on the opinions and ideas of the author and are provided without warranties of any kind, either expressed or implied.

The 15th Annual Blues, Brews & Barbecues will be held on June 21, 2008 at the Waterfront Park in Stevenson, WA. There will be microbrews and wines from the Pacific Northwest, food and music. All this on the banks of the Columbia with the backdrop of the beautiful gorge mountains. For more information you can call 1-800-989-9178 or go to www.cityofstevenson.com/brews

Disclaimer: I assume no responsibilty for accuracy of information provided within this post and blog. Many entries on this blog are based on the opinions and ideas of the author and are provided without warranties of any kind, either expressed or implied.

I took these pictures yesterday from upper Underwood, Washington in Skamania County. This is the view looking east down The Gorge at the Columbia River and Hood River across to the south. This is near the location of last summers fire that took out 6 homes. The terrain is very steep and many trees were removed while trying to contain the fire, thus opening up the view even more. You can see the Hood River Bridge in the distance and a barge making it's way west up the river. Also Wells Island and what is known as The Hook are in the center of the top picture.

Disclaimer: I assume no responsibilty for accuracy of information provided within this post and blog. The entries on this blog are based on the opinions and ideas of the author and are provided without warranties of any kind, either expressed or implied.

Here are some upcoming hikes sponsored by Friends of the Gorge

Sunday, May 25, 2008 Pacific Crest Trail Hike the Pacific Crest Trail from Cascade Locks to Herman Creek Campground. This hike is about 6 miles with an elevation gain of 1000 ft. This is a woodsy walk with great views and a stop at Dry Creek Falls. Hike leader will be Dana Berthold.

First meeting place: 8:30 a.m. Gateway

Second meeting place: 9:15 a.m. at the Bridge of the Gods Trailhead (I-84 to Exit 44 Cascade Locks, turn right toward Bridge of the Gods. Trailhead is in the center of the circular ramp as you approach the bridge. A NW Forest Pass is required.)

Saturday, May 31, 2008 Table Mountain This hike will be led by Table Mountain site volunteer Ray Witter. It is a power climb up to the Table Mountain Loop Trail. You will hike part of the Pacific Crest Trail and see incredible views on this climb. The hike is 8 miles with a 3200 ft elevation gain.

First meeting place: 8:30 a.m. Gateway

Second meeting place: 9:00 a.m. at Bonnevile Hot Springs Resort (Take I-84 to Exit 44 Cascade Locks; cross the Bridge of the Gods to WA SR-14. Turn left heading west on SR 14. Turn right on Hot Springs Way. Turn right again at stop sign, continue to Bonneville Hot Springs Resort. Enter the resort and turn left into dirt parking lot, west of miniature golf.)

Saturday, May 31, 2008 White Salmon River This hike along the beautiful White Salmon River has limited registration. The hike will include staff from PacifiCorp and outline plans to restore native salmon runs by removing Condit Dam. It is approximately 9 miles with an 800 ft elevation gain/loss. For more information on this hike call Friends of the Gorge to register at 503-241-3762 x103.

Disclaimer: I assume no responsibilty for accuracy of information provided within this post and blog. The entries on this blog are based on the opinions and ideas of the author and are provided without warranties of any kind, either expressed or implied.

New in Stevenson WA. The Golden Garter Theatre will open it's summer shows on Friday May 23, 2008 and will run Friday and Saturday nights until Sept. 20, 2008. The Golden Garter Theater is a wild west, family-friendly show which combines amazing magical illusions with comedy entertainment style of 100 years ago. The address of The Golden Garter is 710 SW Rock Creek Dr. Stevenson, WA. It is on the right side of the road, across from the church.

Disclaimer: I assume no responsibilty for accuracy of information provided within this post and blog. The entries on this blog are based on the opinions and ideas of the author and are provided without warranties of any kind, either expressed or implied.